Justice and Development Party

Definition

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) is a political party in Turkey that was founded in 2001, characterized by its conservative and Islamist policies. It has played a significant role in shaping Turkey's political landscape, particularly after the Arab Spring, as it has navigated the challenges posed by regional upheavals while promoting a vision of economic growth and social development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AKP emerged from a coalition of various conservative and Islamist groups, gaining popularity by focusing on economic reforms and infrastructure development.
2. Under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the party shifted from its initial moderate stance to adopt more authoritarian policies, particularly following the 2013 Gezi Park protests.
3. The party has faced significant challenges from opposition groups and changing public sentiment due to economic downturns and issues related to governance.
4. The AKP's foreign policy has been influenced by the Arab Spring, with an emphasis on supporting Islamist movements across the region while facing criticism for its handling of domestic dissent.
5. The party's electoral success has led to a consolidation of power, allowing Erdoğan to transition from Prime Minister to President, significantly altering Turkey's political system.

Review Questions

• How has the Justice and Development Party influenced Turkey's political landscape since its establishment?
  • The Justice and Development Party has significantly reshaped Turkey's political landscape since its establishment in 2001. Initially focused on economic reform and moderate Islamism, it gained widespread support. However, over time, it adopted more authoritarian practices under Erdoğan’s leadership, particularly after events like the Gezi Park protests. This shift not only impacted internal governance but also altered Turkey's relationships with other countries in the region.
• Discuss the role of the AKP in shaping Turkey's response to the Arab Spring and its implications for regional politics.
  • The AKP played a complex role in responding to the Arab Spring, advocating for democratic reforms in neighboring countries while simultaneously tightening its grip on domestic dissent. This duality reflected a strategic attempt to maintain regional influence while managing internal pressures. The party’s support for Islamist movements across the Middle East showcased its ambition to lead in regional politics but also led to tensions with other powers that favored stability over change.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of AKP's governance on Turkey's democracy and civil society in light of recent events.
  • The long-term effects of the AKP's governance have raised significant concerns regarding democracy and civil society in Turkey. The consolidation of power under Erdoğan has resulted in increased authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and erosion of judicial independence. These changes pose serious challenges to democratic norms and civil liberties, leading many observers to question Turkey's trajectory as a secular democracy. The implications of these developments resonate not only within Turkey but also influence regional dynamics as neighboring countries assess their own paths towards governance.

Related terms

Islamism: A political ideology that seeks to implement Islamic principles in government and public life, often associated with movements advocating for Sharia law.

Neo-Ottomanism: A political approach that reflects Turkey's aspirations to regain influence in former Ottoman territories, emphasizing cultural and political ties with the broader Middle East.

Erdoganism: The political philosophy and practices associated with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the founding leader of the AKP, characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and economic pragmatism.